Schlenvogt says he brings common approach to governing

He started out 25 years ago on the Town of Port Washington Board in 1989 and became town chairman in 1994. He was appointed to the County Board in 2007 and was elevated to board chairman in 2013.

But while he highlights his experience handling local government concerns, it’s his approach with constituents that makes him most proud. He may have gotten flak or praise from the people he represents, but he always makes a point of returning “every call” he’s ever gotten, he said.

Schlenvogt, 56, said his background as a fourth generation dairy farmer near Port Washington helps him connect more with the average working person, and that his down-to-earth personality is what gives him the advantage in the 20th Senate District race.

“I work every day at a dairy farm, I know what it’s like to have a car with over 100,000 miles on it, and I represent the people that work everyday like I do,” Schlenvogt said. “I want to go to Madison and take my local approach there.”

Schlenvogt is one of three Republicans seeking the 20th Senate District seat vacated by GOP Congressman Glenn Grothman. His competitors are former state Rep. Duey Stroebel of Cedarburg and former Assembly candidate and U.S. Army vet Tifffany Koehler of Slinger.

While Schlenvogt initially said his background meant he probably wouldn’t be able to compete financially with Stroebel, the initial fundraising filings dispute that -- Schlenvogt has put $60,000 of his own money into the race, more than doubling Stroebel’s fundraising efforts of more than $27,000 since January.

Even with those deep pockets, Schlenvogt’s focus in the race has been on holding the line on taxes and spending. Schlenvogt points to Ozaukee County has having some of the lowest tax rates in the state and notes that there was no increase in taxes last year with him as county chairman. He points to department consolidations and collaborations with other counties as a way of maintaining a fiscally conservative streak.

“I’m continually looking to save money,” Schlenvogt said. “I did it at the town level, I did it at the county level. I’m a true conservative always looking out for the taxpayers. I enjoy doing it.”

Perhaps appropriate for the seat, Schlenvogt said he wants to take up the mantle of welfare reform when he is elected, something that Grothman was passion about in the Senate. That’s also put him squarely in favor of Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to drug test welfare recipients. When asked about criticism that the plan is unnecessary or that it may face legal hurdles, Schlenvogt simply says that he won’t back down simply because of critics.

“There’s always going to be criticism to everything you need to do and you need to step up for what you think is right,” Schlenvogt said. “We live in a compassionate society. The people who really need the entitlement will get it. It should be structured that way. But there are people abusing the system and we need to stop that.”

But while Schlenvogt is clear on pushing for welfare reform, he’s somewhat on the fence when it comes to other budget issues.

When asked about the level of bonding in the budget for transportation, he said there may have to be some “give and take” but that he would not be in favor of raising the gas tax to pay for the gap in the transporation fund.

On the UW System, Schlenvogt couldn’t say if the proposed $300 million cut to the university was appropriate, only that he trusts UW System President Ray Cross and doesn’t yet have a “magic number” that he thinks would be a fair cut.

When asked about the plan to lift the enrollment cap on the statewide school choice program, Schlenvogt said he was in favor of it, but wanted to make sure government regulation didn’t impinge on the rights of private schools -- chiefly, that schools aren’t forced to abandon prayer and religious curriculum as a result of receiving public funding.

Schlenvogt also said he would vote in favor of right-to-work legislation, but made clear that he doesn’t want any “carve outs” for specific unions or industries.